We will hike the entire Franconia ridge by going up the Falling Waters Trail, over Little Haystack, Mt. Lincoln, Mt. Lafayette, and back down the Bridle Path.  The entire hike will be around 9 miles and a good portion of this hike will be on the exposed ridge above treeline.  It is one of the classic hikes of the White Mountains with amazing views of Franconia Notch on one side, and the Pemigewasset Wilderness on the other.  It is also a very popular hike, and can be quite crowded in the summer, so this is a good time to enjoy it without the crowds.  Weather can be quite variable up there, even on a nice warm sunny day in the valley.  So come prepared.  Bring good weatherproofed gear that will keep you both dry and warm.  Also bring at least 2 liters of water, snacks, and a lunch.  The AMC's Greenleaf Hut will be open and they do have water and food there.  However, we hit it towards the last part of the hike, so do come prepared.  Also note that this hike is rated strenuous because there are some very steep sections along the Falling Waters Trail, and lots of ups & downs on the ridge itself.  The starting elevation is 1,780 feet at the trailhead, and the highest elevation reached will be 5,260 feet at the summit of Mt. Lafayette, for an "official" elevation gain of almost 4,000 feet.  With the ups & downs, the actual ascend/descent will be higher.  Rain will cancel.

 We will meet at the trailhead parking area for both the Falling Waters and Bridle Path trails.  It is very easy to access from I-93.

Directions from I-93 heading North:  After exit 33, the Interstate enters Franconia Notch State Park and eventually narrows to one lane heading north.  Shortly after it narrows, you will see a big brown sign on the right that says Trailhead Parking with an arrow pointing to the right.  Take the exit ramp and park anywhere.  We will be waiting by the sign next to the paved trail from which both trails start.  If for some reason this parking area is full, there is another parking area on the west side of I-93 at Lafayette Campground.  To reach it, however, you will have to continue north on I-93, exit at the Mt. Cannon Tramway exit, and head back south on I-93 to the Campground.  There is a pedestrian tunnel under I-93 that connects both parking areas.